1
|
Bhat NA, Jeri L, Karmakar D, Mipun P, Bharali P, Sheikh N, Nongkynrih CJ, Kumar Y. Ethnoveterinary practises of medicinal plants used for the treatment of different cattle diseases: A case study in East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya, North East India. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18214. [PMID: 37501975 PMCID: PMC10368863 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For generations, the inhabitants of Meghalaya have relied on medicinal plants to maintain the health of their livestock and treat various illnesses that may afflict their animals. Due to the lack of survey for use and documentation, these plants have never been undertaken. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the diversity, utilization, and phytochemical profile of these plants and quantitatively analyse the data to identify important medicinal plants. By doing so, we can better understand the potential of these plants for developing novel drugs. Methods Frequent field trips were made for the collection of ethnoveterinary data of medicinal plants from local animal-keepers, traditional healers (THs) and inhabitants of different age groups. This information was gathered through semi-structured interviews, individual discussions, direct field-use observation, and questionnaires. A total of 52 informants (35 females and 17 males) were interviewed from seven rural villages and the information obtained from them were quantitatively analysed using the informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, for each documented plant, available published literature was extensively surveyed to identify the presence of bioactive chemical compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects. Results During the present study, a total 96 plants, distributed into 87 genera and 43 families were identified and recorded for their use in ethnoveterinary practices against more than 25 diseases. Out of the recorded plant species, the Fabaceae family was found to be the most dominant with seven species, followed by Poaceae and Lamiaceae with six species each, and Moraceae with five species. The leaves (50.00%) and seeds (12.50%) were the most frequently used plant parts, while the paste (30 species) was the common mode of application. Aegle marmelos Correa exhibited a fidelity level (FL) of 100% for indigestion, while Tagetes erecta L. had a fidelity level of 94.11% for wound treatment, making them the most promising candidates for further study. The highest FIC value of 1.00 was recorded for the treatment of neurological disorder (1.00), followed by foot and mouth disease (FIC 0.91), which depicted that some species were frequently utilized to treat multiple livestock ailments. Conclusion The study presents trustworthy information about medicinal plants and their associated indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge. It has been scientifically proven that these plants contain bioactive compounds responsible for their therapeutic properties. However, this knowledge is in danger of being lost due to factors like socioeconomic changes, environmental and technological alterations, and lack of interest from younger generations. Therefore, it is essential to document this empirical folklore knowledge systematically and take measures to protect and conserve it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazir Ahmad Bhat
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
- Department of Botany, University of Science and Technology (USTM), Ri-Bhoi, 793101, Meghalaya, India
| | - Licha Jeri
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - Dolly Karmakar
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - Puranjoy Mipun
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
- Department of Botany, Bhattadev University, Bajali, 781325, Assam, India
| | - Pankaj Bharali
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Biological Sciences and Technology Division (BSTD), CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, 785006, Assam, India
| | - Nilofer Sheikh
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
- Department of Botany, Biswanath College, Biswanath Chariali, 784176, Assam, India
| | - Chester John Nongkynrih
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - Yogendra Kumar
- Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prakash S, Sharma N, Kumar A, Kumari N, Puri S, Pundir A, Kumar V, Sharma AK, Rais N, Dey A, Lorenzo JM, Mekhemar M, Kumar M. A survey on ethnoveterinary medicines used by the tribal migratory shepherds of Northwestern Himalaya. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115467. [PMID: 35738470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tribal migratory shepherds (Gaddi) living in the Northwestern Himalayan region are well known for their nomadic lifestyle in which tribal migratory shepherds along with their livestock which mainly include sheep and goat migrate seasonally in the Northwestern Himalayan region from high hills to low hills for the survival of their livestock from cold winters and hot summer. Due to harsh environmental conditions, heavy snowfall, heavy rainfall, wild animal attacks, no medical facilities, no transportation, and no electricity facilities tribal migratory shepherds mostly rely on plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use to treat livestock disease. AIM OF STUDY The aim of our study is to conduct ethnoveterinary survey for the first time to document the contemporary oral ethnoveterinary knowledge of Gaddi shepherds living in Northwestern Himalayan region. METHODOLOGY The documentation of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use was executed through extensive field surveys from 2017 to 2019. Data were collected through direct interviews by administrating questionnaire among tribal migratory shepherds. RESULTS A total of 181 plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use belonging to the same or different families were documented during the seasonal migration of shepherds from Northwestern Himalayan region. Most frequently occurring family of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary was Poaceae, leaves and roots were reported to be the most frequently used plant parts. Most frequently documented plant species for ethnoveterinary use were Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Zanthoxylum armatum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica and Cannabis sativa. Chrysopogon serrulatus, Cynodon dactylon, and Vitex negundo were reported with high use reports. Some of the endemic species of Northwestern Himalayan region such as Elymus himalayanus and Euphorbia pilosa and one endangered species Picrorhiza kurrooa were reported in current study. CONCLUSION It is observed that there is a need to raise awareness among the tribal migratory shepherds about the sustainable use and conservation of some of the plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use. This study provided an inventory of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use having significant ethnoveterinary potential, however there is need of scientific evaluations by in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Prakash
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Niharika Sharma
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281 406, India
| | - Neeraj Kumari
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Sunil Puri
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Ashok Pundir
- School of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial Government College, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, 177005, India
| | - Abhishek Kumar Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, H.P., 173229, India
| | - Nadeem Rais
- Department of Pharmacy, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305004, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - José M Lorenzo
- Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia, rúa Galicia n◦ 4, Parque Tecnológico de Galicia, San Cibrao das Viñas, 32900, Ourense, Spain; Área de Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias de Ourense, Universidad de Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Mohamed Mekhemar
- Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Christian-Albrecht's University, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR - Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Leite DOD, de F. A. Nonato C, Camilo CJ, de Carvalho NKG, da Nobrega MGLA, Pereira RC, da Costa JGM. Annona Genus: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:4056-4091. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200325094422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Species from the Annona (Anonaceae) genus are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various
diseases. Ethnobotanical studies provide information regarding the plant part and the preparation method
being used, while scientific studies such as in vitro, in vivo, and clinical tests can provide evidence supporting
ethnopharmacological reports, directing studies towards the isolation of compounds which may be active for
specific pathologies. Annona muricata and Annona squamosa were the most commonly reported species from
those studied, with Annona cherimola and Annona classiflora also standing out. Acetogenins were the most
commonly isolated metabolite class due to their cytotoxic properties, with flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and
peptides also being reported. Many species from the Annona genus have proven biological activities, such as
antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal. The present review had as its objective to facilitate access to
ethnobotanical, chemical and biological information in order to direct future researches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Débora O. D. Leite
- Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Regional do Cariri, 63105-100, Crato, Brazil
| | - Carla de F. A. Nonato
- Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Regional do Cariri, 63105-100, Crato, Brazil
| | - Cicera J. Camilo
- Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Regional do Cariri, 63105-100, Crato, Brazil
| | - Natália K. G. de Carvalho
- Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Regional do Cariri, 63105-100, Crato, Brazil
| | - Mário G. L. A. da Nobrega
- Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Regional do Cariri, 63105-100, Crato, Brazil
| | - Rafael C. Pereira
- Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Regional do Cariri, 63105-100, Crato, Brazil
| | - José G. M. da Costa
- Departamento de Quimica Biologica, Laboratorio de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Regional do Cariri, 63105-100, Crato, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Upasani MS, Upasani SV, Beldar VG, Beldar CG, Gujarathi PP. Infrequent use of medicinal plants from India in snakebite treatment. Integr Med Res 2018; 7:9-26. [PMID: 29629287 PMCID: PMC5884010 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakes have fascinated humankind for millennia. Snakebites are a serious medical, social, and economic problem that are experienced worldwide; however, they are most serious in tropical and subtropical countries. The reasons for this are 1) the presence of more species of the most dangerous snakes, 2) the inaccessibility of immediate medical treatment, and 3) poor health care. The goal of this study was to collect information concerning rare, less utilized, and less studied medicinal plants. More than 100 plants were found to have potential to be utilized as anti-snake venom across India. Data accumulated from a variety of literature sources revealed useful plant families, the parts of plants used, and how to utilize them. In India, there are over 520 plant species, belonging to approximately 122 families, which could be useful in the management of snakebites. This study was conducted to encourage researchers to create herbal antidotes, which will counteract snake venom. These may prove to be an inexpensive and easily assessable alternative, which would be of immense importance to society. Plants from families such as Acanthaceae, Arecaceae, Apocynaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Zingiberaceae are the most useful. In India, experts of folklore are using herbs either single or in combination with others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vishal Gokul Beldar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aziz MA, Khan AH, Adnan M, Ullah H. Traditional uses of medicinal plants used by Indigenous communities for veterinary practices at Bajaur Agency, Pakistan. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2018. [PMID: 29378636 DOI: 10.1186/s13002--018--0212--0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pastoral lifestyle of Indigenous communities of Bajaur Agency is bringing them close to natural remedies for treating their domestic animals. Several studies have been conducted across the globe describing the importance of traditional knowledge in veterinary care. Therefore, this study was planned with the aim to record knowledge on ethnoveterinary practices from the remote areas and share sit with other communities through published literature. METHODS Data was gathered from community members through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through informant consensus factor (Fic) to evaluate the consent of current ethnoveterinary practices among the local people. RESULTS In total, 73 medicinal plants were recorded under the ethnoveterinary practices. Most widely used medicinal plants with maximum use reports (URs) were Visnaga daucoides Gaertn., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Solanum virginianum L., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Curcuma longa L. New medicinal values were found with confidential level of citations for species including Heracleum candicans and Glycerhiza glabra. Family Apiaceae was the utmost family with high number (7 species) of medicinal plants. Maximum number of medicinal plants (32) was used for gastric problems. High Fic was recorded for dermatological (0.97) followed by reproductive (0.93) and gastrointestinal disorders (0.92). The main route of remedies administration was oral. CONCLUSIONS Current study revealed that the study area has sufficient knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicinal plants. This knowledge is in the custody of nomadic grazers, herders, and aged community members. Plants with new medicinal uses need to be validated phytochemically and pharmacologically for the development of new alternative drugs for veterinary purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdul Aziz
- Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000, Pakistan.
| | - Amir Hasan Khan
- Department of Botany, Shaheed Benazir Bhuto University Sheringal, District Dir (Upper), 18000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adnan
- Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Habib Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aziz MA, Khan AH, Adnan M, Ullah H. Traditional uses of medicinal plants used by Indigenous communities for veterinary practices at Bajaur Agency, Pakistan. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2018; 14:11. [PMID: 29378636 PMCID: PMC5789696 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-018-0212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pastoral lifestyle of Indigenous communities of Bajaur Agency is bringing them close to natural remedies for treating their domestic animals. Several studies have been conducted across the globe describing the importance of traditional knowledge in veterinary care. Therefore, this study was planned with the aim to record knowledge on ethnoveterinary practices from the remote areas and share sit with other communities through published literature. METHODS Data was gathered from community members through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through informant consensus factor (Fic) to evaluate the consent of current ethnoveterinary practices among the local people. RESULTS In total, 73 medicinal plants were recorded under the ethnoveterinary practices. Most widely used medicinal plants with maximum use reports (URs) were Visnaga daucoides Gaertn., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Solanum virginianum L., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Curcuma longa L. New medicinal values were found with confidential level of citations for species including Heracleum candicans and Glycerhiza glabra. Family Apiaceae was the utmost family with high number (7 species) of medicinal plants. Maximum number of medicinal plants (32) was used for gastric problems. High Fic was recorded for dermatological (0.97) followed by reproductive (0.93) and gastrointestinal disorders (0.92). The main route of remedies administration was oral. CONCLUSIONS Current study revealed that the study area has sufficient knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicinal plants. This knowledge is in the custody of nomadic grazers, herders, and aged community members. Plants with new medicinal uses need to be validated phytochemically and pharmacologically for the development of new alternative drugs for veterinary purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdul Aziz
- Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000 Pakistan
| | - Amir Hasan Khan
- Department of Botany, Shaheed Benazir Bhuto University Sheringal, District Dir (Upper), 18000 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adnan
- Department of Botany, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000 Pakistan
| | - Habib Ullah
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, 23200 Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Panda T, Mishra N. Indigenous Knowledge on Animal Health Care Practices in Kendrapara District of Odisha, India. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.18052/www.scipress.com/ilns.53.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to register and document the traditional knowledge of plant resources used in ethnoveterinary practices in Kendrapara district of Odisha, India. Investigation was carried out in the interior of the district, to explore the therapeutic uses of plants by local inhabitants. Information was collected using structured questionnaires, complemented by unstructured interviews and informal conversations with traditional healers, elderly people and farmers. Samples of plants that were reported to have medicinal value were collected and identified by botanical classification. Fifty five plant species, distributed among 34 families, were indicated for 27 different medicinal uses. The family Solanaceae had the largest number of reported species followed by Mimosaceae, Fabaceae and Apocynaceae. Prominent diseases treated by plant remedies were wounds, diarrhea, constipation, snake bite, skin ailments and rheumatism. Leaves were more commonly utilized for the preparation of ethnoveterinary medicine than other plant parts. The knowledge of traditional healers, and other experienced elderly people should be tapped to gather information on these practices so that it gets documented for the benefit of future generations. The present study contributed to the construction of an inventory of ethnoveterinary plants, which might provides a better database for future scientific validation studies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Panda T, Mishra N. Indigenous Knowledge on Animal Health Care Practices in Kendrapara District of Odisha, India. INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.56431/p-beti8k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to register and document the traditional knowledge of plant resources used in ethnoveterinary practices in Kendrapara district of Odisha, India. Investigation was carried out in the interior of the district, to explore the therapeutic uses of plants by local inhabitants. Information was collected using structured questionnaires, complemented by unstructured interviews and informal conversations with traditional healers, elderly people and farmers. Samples of plants that were reported to have medicinal value were collected and identified by botanical classification. Fifty five plant species, distributed among 34 families, were indicated for 27 different medicinal uses. The family Solanaceae had the largest number of reported species followed by Mimosaceae, Fabaceae and Apocynaceae. Prominent diseases treated by plant remedies were wounds, diarrhea, constipation, snake bite, skin ailments and rheumatism. Leaves were more commonly utilized for the preparation of ethnoveterinary medicine than other plant parts. The knowledge of traditional healers, and other experienced elderly people should be tapped to gather information on these practices so that it gets documented for the benefit of future generations. The present study contributed to the construction of an inventory of ethnoveterinary plants, which might provides a better database for future scientific validation studies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Seebaluck R, Gurib-Fakim A, Mahomoodally F. Medicinal plants from the genus Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae)--a review of their ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 159:137-157. [PMID: 25446604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Acalypha is the fourth largest genus of the Euphorbiaceae family with approximately 450-570 species. Several Acalypha species are used as medicinal plants in Africa and in the Mascarene Islands. Almost every part of the plant including the leaves, stem and roots are used as traditional remedies to treat and manage a panoply of ailments. However, there is no updated compilation of traditionally important medicinal plants from the Acalypha genus. The present review therefore, endeavors to provide for the first time an updated compilation of documented ethnopharmacological information in relation to the ethnomedicinal, ethnoveterinary, zoopharmacognosy, phytochemistry and biological activities of medicinal plants from the Acalypha genus which can subsequently open new perspectives for further pharmacological research. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was performed on Acalypha species using ethnobotanical text books and scientific databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar and other web sources such as records from PROTA, PROSEA, and Botanical Dermatology Database. The Plant List, International Plant Name index and Kew Botanical Garden Plant name databases were used to validate scientific names. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Plants from Acalypha genus are traditionally used in the treatment and/or management of diverse ailments such as diabetes, jaundice, hypertension, fever, liver inflammation, schistosomiasis, dysentery, respiratory problems including bronchitis, asthma and pheumonia as well as skin conditions such as scabies, eczema and mycoses. Approximately 124 species were listed in ethnobotanical studies with some botanical description and others mentioned from different web sources. However, only 40 species have been included in the present review due to the unavailability of ethnopharmacological data on the remaining species. Among the 40 cited species, 30 were traditionally used for the treatment and/or management of approximately 70 human diseases or health conditions. Two species, Acalypha alnifolia and Acalypha fruticosa are used as insecticides and sand fly repellent respectively. Only 2 species (Acalypha fruticosa and Acalypha indica) are used in ethnoveterinary practice and have similar human and veterinary applications. In zoopharmacognosy, only Acalypha ornata has been mentioned. Natives from Africa, Central America, North America, Southern China, India, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and Mascarenes islands utilize Acalypha species as ethnomedicine. Traditionally used Acalypha species have been reported to possess at least one of the following biological activities: antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, larvidal, pupicidal, hepatoprotective, anticancer, leishmanicidal, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-venom, analgesic, anthelmintic, antiemetic, laxative, expectorant, diuretic, post-coital antifertility effects and wound healing. A total of 167 compounds have been identified from 19 species, with 16 from eight species were reported to be bioactive. CONCLUSION The present review represents 32.3% of species from the Acalypha genus and can be considered as the first compilation of ethnopharmacologically useful plants from this genus. There is a great potential to discover new biologically active phytochemicals from the Acalypha genus because only few species have been studied comprehensively. Therefore, the clinical evaluation of species from this genus is warranted in future studies to confirm the ethnomedicinal claims and for the safety approval of therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Seebaluck
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
| | - A Gurib-Fakim
- Centre for Phytotherapy Research, Cybercity 2, 7th floor, Ebéne, Mauritius
| | - F Mahomoodally
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abbasi AM, Khan SM, Ahmad M, Khan MA, Quave CL, Pieroni A. Botanical ethnoveterinary therapies in three districts of the Lesser Himalayas of Pakistan. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2013; 9:84. [PMID: 24359615 PMCID: PMC3904763 DOI: 10.1186/1746-4269-9-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnoveterinary knowledge is highly significant for persistence of traditional community-based approaches to veterinary care. This is of particular importance in the context of developing and emerging countries, where animal health (that of livestock, especially) is crucial to local economies and food security. The current survey documents the traditional veterinary uses of medicinal plants in the Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan. METHODS Data were collected through interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and by administering questionnaires. A total of 105 informants aged between 20-75 years old who were familiar with livestock health issues (i.e. farmers, shepherds, housewives and herbalists) participated in the study. RESULTS A total of 89 botanical taxa, belonging to 46 families, were reported to have ethnoveterinary applications. The most quoted families were Poaceae (6 taxa), Fabaceae (6), Asteraceae (5), and Polygonaceae (5). Adhatoda vasica was the most cited species (43%), followed by Trachyspermum ammi (37%), and Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum (36%). About 126 medications were recorded against more than 50 veterinary conditions grouped into seven categories. The highest cultural index values were recorded for Trachyspermum ammi, Curcuma longa, Melia azedarach, Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum and Adhatoda vasica. The highest informant consensus factor was found for pathologies related to respiratory and reproductive disorders. Comparison with the local plant-based remedies used in human folk medicine revealed that many of remedies were used in similar ways in local human phytotherapy. Comparison with other field surveys conducted in surrounding areas demonstrated that approximately one-half of the recorded plants uses are novel to the ethnoveterinary literature of the Himalayas. CONCLUSION The current survey shows a remarkable resilience of ethnoveterinary botanical knowledge in the study area. Most of the species reported for ethnoveterinary applications are wild and under threat. Thus, not only is it imperative to conserve traditional local knowledge of folk veterinary therapies for bio-cultural conservation motives, but also to assist with in-situ and ex-situ environmental conservation initiatives, which are urgently needed. Future studies that focus on the validation of efficacy of these ethnoveterinary remedies can help to substantiate emic concepts regarding the management of animal health care and for rural development programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Mehmood Abbasi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan
| | - Shujaul Mulk Khan
- Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra, Mansehra 21300, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Mir Ajab Khan
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Cassandra Leah Quave
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, CNR Bldg. 5000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, 550 Asbury Circle, Candler Library 107, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andrea Pieroni
- University of Gastronomic Sciences, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 9, Pollenzo I-12042 Bra/Pollenzo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|